Overview
- In a pre-flight announcement, the captain told passengers the plane would not move unless both pilots were certain it was safe and shared a promise to get his young daughter ice cream.
- The clip posted by @sisterhoodwomentravelers has drawn more than 12 million views and roughly 1.7 million likes across platforms.
- Social media users identified the captain as Christopher Pennington, but multiple outlets report Delta has not verified the name.
- The video’s popularity tracks with widespread disruptions as FAA traffic slowdowns and mandated cuts at about 40 major airports reduce flights, with officials noting some of the worst delay and cancellation totals since the shutdown began.
- Recent safety concerns, including last week’s fatal UPS MD-11 crash in Louisville reported to have killed 14 people, shaped reactions to the clip, and Delta said its pilots uphold the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and customer focus.